Residents of Worli have opposed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) plan to develop a helipad at the Worli jetty along the Mumbai Coastal Road, citing concerns over noise pollution, traffic congestion and the impact on residential life. The Worli Residents Association has formally raised objections by writing to the BMC commissioner, the Maharashtra urban development department and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
In its representation, the association said the proposed helipad would severely disrupt the predominantly residential character of the area. Residents expressed concern that frequent helicopter movements, especially for VVIP travel, would add to congestion, compromise coastal security and disturb everyday life in the neighbourhood.
“Such movements will fundamentally compromise residential peace, mental well-being, and the quality of life of thousands of citizens living along this stretch,” the letter stated.
The association also criticised the civic body for proceeding with the proposal without holding a transparent public consultation. It urged the BMC to scrap the plan and instead identify alternative locations away from densely populated residential areas.
A major concern highlighted by residents is noise pollution. According to the letter, helicopter take-offs and landings typically generate noise levels ranging between 100 and 120 decibels. This far exceeds the limits prescribed under the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, which cap permissible noise levels in residential areas at 55 decibels during the day and 45 decibels at night.
The association pointed out that Worli is a densely populated neighbourhood with a significant number of senior citizens, children and patients in nearby hospitals and medical facilities. Even brief helicopter operations, it warned, could result in sleep disturbances, heightened stress levels and long-term health issues. The letter also cited international studies indicating that urban heliports often breach noise norms and adversely affect nearby residential communities.
The helipad proposal has its origins in infrastructure created during the Mumbai Coastal Road project. The Worli jetty was originally built to transport construction materials. Last month, the BMC invited bids to convert the jetty into a helipad. The idea was first proposed by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in March last year, and in May, government-owned Pawan Hans Ltd cleared the feasibility of setting up a medium-sized helipad at the site.
Residents have now called on authorities to reconsider the plan in light of its potential social and environmental impact.
Source: Mid-day
